courier-journal.com

Sponsored by:
The Courier-Journal

Latest updates

New music out today: Alice Russell, the Gourds, Savage, Glasvegas

The first new music of the new year. - 7:36 am More

Today's Top Stories

Theater

Imagine 'The Meeting'

What if the two towering heroes of the 1960s struggle for black civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, had met privately to discuss their opposing philosophies of racial progress? That's the premise of "The Meeting," an award-winning play coming to Louisville. (1/6/09) More

Say what!

ABC's hidden cameras back for another season

An intriguing take on public attitudes toward immigration is featured on today's episode of "What Would You Do?" (10 p.m.), a news-reality hybrid that's gotten some traction on ABC. (1/6/09) More

The Buzz

Travolta autopsy

The assistant director of a Bahamian funeral home says Jett Travolta's death certificate states he was killed by a "seizure." (1/6/09) More

France's Isabelle Huppert to head Cannes film jury

French actress Isabelle Huppert will head the jury of the 62nd edition of the Cannes film festival in May. Huppert, 55, who has starred in more than 90 films, has twice won the best actress award at the prestigious film festival on the French Riviera. (1/6/09) More

At the box office

'Marley & Me' remains top dog

The family tale "Marley & Me," starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson as owners of an adorably mischievous pooch, took in $24.3 million to finish as the No. 1 movie for a second-straight weekend. (1/6/09) More

The Incredible Inman

Andy Griffith mix-up

"Dear Incredible Inman: I remember a few years back I watched a movie called 'Lonesome Rhodes.' Andy Griffith was in it, and he wasn't a nice guy...." (1/6/09) More

Today's TV talk

Actress Kate Hudson is scheduled to appear on the "Today" show, "Live With Regis & Kelly" and "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." Other celebrities hitting the talk-show circuit today include Queen Latifah, Brian Williams, Mike Birbiglia and Marisa Tomei. (1/6/09) More

Sports on TV

(1/6/09) More

Entertainment

And on lead vocals …

It's rainy and chilly outside Seidenfadens on Breckinridge at 1 a.m. on a recent Sunday morning, but inclement weather can't stop the beat. Inside, four friends are huddled together belting out the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter." (1/5/09) More

Jazz bassist Haden returns to country

After a career on modern jazz's cutting edge, bassist Charlie Haden acknowledges being scared before recording his first country-music album at a Nashville, Tenn., studio. (1/5/09) More

The Buzz

Travolta mourns son

John Travolta "did everything in his power" to try to revive his 16-year-old son, Jett, the actor's corporate counsel, Mike McDermott, told People. (1/5/09) More

Science

Faster Climate Change

The United States faces the possibility of much more rapid climate change by the end of the century than previous studies have suggested, according to a report led by the U.S. Geological Survey. (1/5/09) More

The Incredible Inman

Couple of buddies

David Inman: I am looking for a movie with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Matthau is a paid killer, and Lemmon is always messing things up for him. Can you tell me the title and if it's on DVD? -- L.M., Columbus City, Iowa (1/5/09) More

On Monday's Talk Shows

7 a.m. (NBC) Today: Actress Anne Hathaway. (1/5/09) More

Show clock

(1/5/09) More

Sports on TV

(1/5/09) More

Theater

Wicked wonder

For legions of musical fans of all ages, "Wicked" embodies the excitement and pageantry of "The Lion King" and the staying power of "Les Misérables." It's the Broadway sensation of the 21st century, and it opens this week in Louisville. (1/4/09) More

Andrew Adler | Critic's commentary

Kids can enjoy arts year-round

If you attended any recent performances of "The Brown-Forman Nutcracker," I'm sure you noticed the many children occupying seats in the Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall. You can't have a "Nutcracker" without plenty of kids in attendance. How do you build on that excitement beyond a single performance? (1/4/09) More

2009 offers exciting music, dance

The Louisville Orchestra emerges from its holiday break Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with a "Tribute to Oscar," playing excerpts from several Academy Award-winning films. (1/4/09) More

Style

Fashionable predictions for 2009

If you paid attention to the news in 2008, you'll likely see some of those stories playing out in trends in the new year. Think Obama style, blue as the new green, country-singer fashion and slippers as the new shoe to go forward in. (1/4/09) More

Critic's pick

'Form, Not Function'

With no formal training but lots of workshops under acclaimed contemporary textile artists, retired nurse Caroline Szeremet has moved from pieced quilts to contemporary works utilizing pieced, dyed and painted techniques. She also hand dyes fabric and uses this inventory as "my paints." (1/4/09) More

Cruise rides 'Valkyrie' to box-office success

After the reasonably strong box-office performance of "Valkyrie" over the holidays, skeptics were robbed of the chance to declare "Flop!" The Tom Cruise WWII thriller earned $21.5 million over the initial weekend, with a four-day haul of $30 million since it opened on Christmas Day. (1/4/09) More

What's up?

Arts Calendar: The week in arts

In "Match Games," Michael Bigelow Dixon, a former literary manager at Actors Theatre of Louisville, returns to direct 10 short plays at Actors about love lost and found. More critic's picks: Louisville Orchestra's "A tribute to Oscar" and Clarksville Little Theatre's "Seussical." (1/4/09) More

Auditions

Mummers & Minstrels will hold auditions for "Music Man." Clarksville Little Theatre will hold auditions for "Assassins." Young Hearts Theatre will hold auditions for their upcoming show. (1/4/09) More

Dining

Maido's artful creations delight

Some of the dishes Toki Huie creates in the kitchen at Maido Essential Japanese Cuisine are so sublimely delicate that by rights they ought to be experienced in a state of utter meditative isolation. (1/3/09) More

Dish | Restaurant News & Notes

Top chefs: TRU's Tramonto, Brown's Geroli pair for rare meal

Rick Tramonto, chef-owner of TRU restaurant in Chicago, will pair with Brown hotel executive chef Laurent Geroli to cook a special dinner Jan. 15 at The Brown's English Grill. (1/3/09) More

Stylemaker

Kicking back

When A. Holland Houston is in court, "I have to wear a jacket and pants," says the attorney, who goes by Holly. "In your brain, what you think a lawyer looks like — I have to dress like that." So during her personal time, she enjoys wearing jeans and shirts, accented with funky boots. (1/3/09) More

In Search of Great Food

You'll be hooked on Hill Street Fish Fry's dishes

"For many years, my go-to Fish Box has been the one cooked up at the Hill Street Fish Fry. From the day it opened, in the summer of 1992, it's been rock-solid for quality, value and reliability. I can't begin to count the number of times I've rushed home a brown paper bag filled with hot fish...." (1/3/09) More

Gizmo | Personal Technology With Ric Manning

Going green

Green Plug's charging system can power a PC, a digital camera, a file storage device and a printer from a single hub. (1/3/09) More

The Best

Garage Butler's a winner, case closed

Can't remember if you left the garage door open? No matter. The 'Butler' will get it. If the garage door is left open for a user-defined period of time, the Garage Butler automatically shuts the door! It can be set for three, 10, 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. (1/3/09) More

The Buzz

Smurf up your life!

Want to look like Smurfette? And, really, who doesn't? Too Faced cosmetics is presenting a limited-edition collection celebrating the only female Smurf. (1/3/09) More

Shop Talk

Cool shades at Peacock Boutique

Just because it's cold right now doesn't mean we aren't getting a fair bit of sunshine every now and then. So it's a great time to check the new collection of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, which are being carried at Peacock Boutique. (1/3/09) More

Smart Shopper

Have a super safari with cardboard cutouts

Cardboard animals have emerged from the creative workshop of Chris Jessee and Luis Rodrigalvarez of Charlottesville, Va. Not only are these animals family-friendly and easy to feed, but they can provide you with hours of entertainment as you assemble them. (1/3/09) More

At once-mighty NBC, there's no script for success

Back in April, NBC rushed to beat the other broadcast networks in unveiling this season's prime-time lineup — a slate of new escapist series that NBC suits promised would allow people to "tune in and then mentally tune out." NBC nearly got it right. Viewers did tune out. (1/3/09) More

Quest

Bundle up

Baby, it's cold outside! Before heading outdoors, you might want to bundle up in these cute and chic cold-weather accessories we spotted at area shops this winter. (1/3/09) More

What's Hot

'Eating Your Way Across Kentucky: 101 Must Places to Eat'

Gary West's wonderful Eating Your Way Across Kentucky focuses on locally owned restaurants that specialize in good old Kentucky fare. That means you'll find plenty of barbecue and fried chicken, country ham, biscuits and gravy. (1/3/09) More

Fitzgerald has long and uneven on-screen history

F. Scott Fitzgerald's magical short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was a hard sell during the early days of the Roaring '20s. Now this most unusual tale might finally accomplish something that no other adaptation of a Fitzgerald story or novel has done: become a serious Oscar contender. (1/3/09) More

The week in food

Dining calendar

Food writer Ron Mikulak offers a weekly listing of dining events, restaurant news, special meals, food events, wine tastings, cooking classes and more. (1/3/09) More

The Incredible Inman

Crime solvers

"Dear Mr. Inman: I remember a short-lived series from the late 1960s with James Whitmore as an attorney who teamed up with a young immigrant. Can you tell me the title of this series and tell me if it's on DVD?" (1/3/09) More

New Releases

TV on DVD

Titles released to DVD this week include "The Odd Couple: The Final Season," "Hawaii Five-O: The Fifth Season," "McHale's Navy: Season Four," "Night Gallery: Season Two," "Chowder: Vol. 1," "Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series" and "The Sopranos: The Complete Series." (1/3/09) More

Music

Year in music provided distractions sweet & sour

What a strange, terrible year 2008 was. Music seemed off its game. Unless you lived in Louisville, there wasn't a galvanizing album that demanded attention. Around here, of course, My Morning Jacket ruled its hometown with a velvet death-grip — and for good reason. (1/2/09) More

The Hot List

Our picks for this week's top events

Brad DePlanche, left, and Warren Kelly perform in "A Tuna Christmas" at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Other highlights: Eddie Miles presents "A Salute to Elvis & Other Country Legends" at Derby Dinner Playhouse, and Bruce Bruce headlines at the Improv Comedy Club. (1/2/09) More

Hollywood is happy, even without a record year

With a $158.4 million debut, "The Dark Knight" shattered the record for best opening weekend and has put Heath Ledger on track for a possible posthumous Academy Award as the maniacal villain The Joker. (1/2/09) More

Film Clips

National archive adds 25 significant films to preservation list

While you make your New Year's resolutions, the Library of Congress is keeping its promise to preserve American films for future generations. This week, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington named 25 movies from every era of American filmmaking to its National Film Registry. (1/2/09) More

Charity begins with a click

Make it your New Year's resolution: Only good clicking in 2009. Good shopping, too. We are talking about GoodSearch and its new companion business, from the Los Angeles-based for-profit company created to help people make donations to nonprofit companies. (1/2/09) More

Kenny & the Kids

Holidays wind down

Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are over and we're into the second day of the new year, but the holiday season will linger a few days longer at the Louisville Science Center, where a yuletide IMAX film and another special film will be shown on the four-story-tall screen through Monday. (1/2/09) More

Album Review

Broadfield Marchers can trip you out

If Syd Barrett and Robert Pollard got together to program an AM radio station, they'd have the Broadfield Marchers in heavy rotation and playing live at every office party. (1/2/09) More

Sound Effects

As Follow the Train passes, songwriter charts new course

The space between Dennis Sheridan and his music is so indiscernible it may as well not exist. The space operas, zombie wars and adult lullabies circle inside his head at all hours, wrestling with phone bills, day jobs and diapers for his attention. (1/2/09) More

The Buzz

Louisville love

Bret Michaels' third attempt to find love via TV begins at 9 p.m. Sunday with the premiere of VH1's "Rock of Love Bus." Expect to see the rocker's exploits in the River City on the episode. (1/2/09) More

Freshening up helps '60 Minutes' rebound

"60 Minutes" begins the new year happy. Although broadcast viewership is down as a whole, the venerable newsmagazine's ratings are up 12 percent to 15 percent over last fall, including two No. 1 finishes in November. (1/2/09) More

Movie Review

Take 'Repo!' — please!

"Repo! The Genetic Opera" is easily one of the worst movies of the year, if not all time. This goth garbage isn't clever enough to be "Sweeney Todd" and it isn't campy enough to be "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — it's not even worthwhile in a culty, midnight-movie way. (1/2/09) More

Old perceptions die hard for now-flourishing CBS

CBS is having a good TV season. And yet almost no one is writing about it. The network once again is the country's most-watched television network, and its show "The Mentalist" is the season's only new series that can be called a bona fide hit. (1/2/09) More

Katy Perry fills pop's quirky-girl void

Don't get Katy Perry twisted: She absolutely loves being pop's quirky poster girl, the wild child who doesn't censor herself and causes raised eyebrows with songs such as "Ur So Gay" and "I Kissed a Girl." But she says she has more to offer than kitsch. (1/2/09) More

The Incredible Inman

Touching spot

"Dear Inman: A few years ago, James Garner narrated a Chevrolet commercial with something that sounded like a poem. That was a very difficult time for me because my daughter was seriously ill...." (1/2/09) More

On Friday's talk shows

Actor and comic Robin Williams is scheduled to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Other celebrities hitting the talk-show circuit today include Ricky Gervais, Natalie Cole, Reese Witherspoon, Tyler Perry and Keira Knightly. (1/2/09) More

Sports on TV

(1/2/09) More

The Buzz

Redding's resolutions

Media critic Rick Redding makes a living offering advice -- most often unsolicited, of course. So why not welcome the New Year with a few resolutions he's made for others: (1/1/09) More

If you want better TV, there are ways to demand it

Money is not the only stimulus TV needs. Cash helps, of course. But given the state of the economy, big bucks are not on the horizon, and any idea for improving the medium that relies on a huge monetary inflow is dead on arrival. (1/1/09) More

The Incredible Inman

Carell's past

Steve Carell of "The Office" was also on a TV series a few years ago that was a lot of different sketches, like "Saturday Night Live." But I can't remember what it was called. Please help – this is driving me bonkers! (1/1/09) More

Get creative with bacon

We were opening Christmas gifts last year when my much better half dropped a package on my lap -- a cold, heavy package. Curious (and suddenly chilly), I opened it. Bacon. (12/31/08) More

Cook's Corner | Ron Mikulak

Porcini's roasted chicken a keeper

Porcini has garnered a loyal following over the years, fans who have asked for several of the restaurant's recipes. The most recent is Ann Dyke, who wrote about the pollo arrosto (roasted chicken breast) that her husband enjoyed recently. (12/31/08) More

cooking on deadline

Cheat a little for fast, flavorful risotto

Despite breaking all the "rules" of risotto, this bacon and barley version is intensely delicious. It starts by ditching the rice in favor of quick barley, a common soup ingredient that takes just 10 minutes to cook. (12/31/08) More

The Buzz

That's how he rolls

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ciroc Vodka have teamed up with E! and the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission to provide safe rides to thousands of revelers after they ring in 2009. (12/31/08) More

This year, politicians became staples on late-night TV

It proved to be more than a joke when David Letterman said in late September that "the road to the White House runs through me." (12/31/08) More

The Incredible Inman

Whose 'L-O-V-E'?

Dear Inman: Who sings the version of "L-O-V-E" on the commercial for Chanel with Keira Knightley? -- T.E., Louisville Dear T.E.: (12/31/08) More

On Wednesday's Talk Shows

7 a.m. (ABC) Good Morning America: Music by Il Divo; chef Cat Cora with tips for a New Year's Eve party. (12/31/08) More

Sports on TV

(12/31/08) More

The Buzz

Wax Factory rocks

Jason Hobbs and the fellas of Wax Factory will ring in 2009 surrounded by hundreds of troops. The Louisville cover band will play a New Year's Eve show at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. (12/30/08) More

Movie critic Lyons gets many thumbs down

In the four months since the 27-year-old "movie dude" for the E! Entertainment Network was installed to co-host a revamped version of the venerable movie review program "At the Movies," he has gotten a resounding thumbs down from an angry mob of film bloggers, columnists, movie critics and fans of... (12/30/08) More

Crafts

Alternative crafters make pastime hip

Sara Arnold, who spends hours each week turning old leather belts into sleek, modern-looking rugs, considers herself part of the "alternative crafts" movement. (12/30/08) More

BET, TV One plan extensive inauguration coverage

BET and TV One, the television networks aimed primarily at a black audience, haven't paid much attention to presidential inaugurations before. This time will be different. (12/30/08) More

The Incredible Inman

Making money

Dear David: We recall a movie a long time ago about an old counterfeiter who only printed money when he absolutely needed it and only printed $1 bills, but we can't recall its title. Do you happen to recall this movie and its name? Is it on DVD? -- John and Peggy, via e-mail (12/30/08) More

On Tuesday's Talk Shows

7 a.m. (ABC) Good Morning America: "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest. (12/30/08) More

Sports on TV

(12/30/08) More

Fashion

The art of looking good

Last season, Rick Pitino shocked the Freedom Hall faithful when he wore a white suit -- in February -- on the sidelines. The game against Georgetown was billed as a "White Out," and fans were instructed to create a wall of white to intimidate the highly ranked Hoyas. (12/29/08) More

Voices from home

One woman calls in every year to talk about her son. He died in 2001 -- in prison. (12/29/08) More

The Buzz

U of L senior to compete on MTV reality show

Tune in to the new MTV reality show "Bromance" at 9 tonight and you'll see Chris Purcell. The University of Louisville senior will compete with eight other fellas for the opportunity to become best buds with Hollywood club-hopper Brody Jenner. (12/29/08) More

Science

Late for the sky

The launch of NASA's SUV-sized, next-generation Mars rover has been delayed for two years due to continuing technical problems and cost overruns, the space agency has announced. (12/29/08) More

TV

'The Hills' star has a new gig in New York City

While Lauren Conrad has opened the door to her life on MTV's "The Hills," Whitney Port has dug a moat and pulled up the bridge. Fans haven't seen much of Port, who says she's guarded by design. That's all about to change with "The City," her new spinoff series from the popular reality show. (12/29/08) More

The Incredible Inman

Familiar voice

Dear David Inman: As a young girl growing up in the 1970s, I loved "Rhoda." What happened to the girl who played Rhoda's sister, Brenda? -- B.S., by e-mail (12/29/08) More

On Monday's Talk Shows

7 a.m. (ABC) Good Morning America: Five things to know about taxes; Dr. Marty Becker; Alvin Ailey Dance Company donates to the coat drive. (12/29/08) More

Sports on TV

(12/29/08) More

Music

The Year of My Morning Jacket

For the guys in My Morning Jacket, this time last year offered some of the last peaceful moments they would enjoy before a fuse was lit and the ensuing explosion changed their lives. Everything changed in March when the band performed at Austin's South By Southwest music festival. (12/28/08) More

Andrew Adler | Critic's commentary

For '08, who earned boos and bravos?

With only a few days left until we roll into 2009, I'm going to provide a vital service by offering — with all due holiday perspective — some prime candidates for the (dis)honor of Naughty and Nice. (12/28/08) More

Poetry

NEA grant means sweet freedom for poet

Nickole Brown loves to tell what she was doing when, early last month, she found out she'd won a prestigious $25,000 writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. (12/28/08) More

Style

Private labels: Expect more store-brand clothing in 2009

Fashion retailers are taking their cues from grocers, with a new emphasis on in-house brands. While the idea of private-label apparel isn't new, stores are making more clothing themselves and sewing their own labels inside. Expect to see more of the trend in 2009. (12/28/08) More

Viewpoints

Workshop will explore the business of art

Whether art is a first or a second career, a Jan. 17 workshop offered by the Artists Advisory Council of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft will suit anyone in the art business. (12/28/08) More

Photographer captures Rockwell's America

More than once during Norman Rockwell's prolific career, detractors belittled his iconic images of America as too idealistic, too nostalgic, too composed. In his new book, "In Search of Norman Rockwell's America," veteran freelance photojournalist Kevin Rivoli debunks that indictment. (12/28/08) More

Hollywood's nicer Nazi

Some viewers may find the trailer for "Valkyrie" — in which an eye patch-wearing Tom Cruise plays would-be-Fuhrer-assassin Claus von Stauffenberg — to be the funniest thing since "Springtime for Hitler." That would be unfair. "Valkyrie" looks far funnier. (12/28/08) More

Critic's pick

People-watching

Louisville artist James R. Southard, who attends Carnegie Mellon University School of Art in Pittsburgh, says he is lately feeling like more of a social scientist than an artist. We'd say he is becoming a sort of human shepherd, observing random "flocks" of people interacting within a public space. (12/28/08) More

What's going on?

Arts Calendar: The week in arts

Topping our critic's picks for cultural events in the next week are Eddie Miles in "A Salute to Elvis and Other Country Legends," the "Playing With Fire" glassworks exhibition, and "KentuckyShow!" (12/28/08) More

Personal Shopper

A dazzling experience

One lucky reader won a $5,000 diamond shopping spree at a local jeweler. We get the vicarious thrill, some smart shopping pointers and — quite possibly — a hefty wish list. (12/27/08) More

Dining

The Zen of Zeppelin

Germantown's Zeppelin Cafe has a casual rock 'n' roll vibe. Service is casual as well. But in the end, it's one of those cheerful spots that reminds you of that rumpled, unreliable friend who's both charming and irritating. The kitchen's charms are substantial. (12/27/08) More

Digital Downloads

Best of the best ofs

All of your major music blogs have posted their best of 2008 lists, with tons of links and some free downloads. You can do a double shot of Scotch-Nog and click away until you pass out. Here are a few you don't want to miss, but this is by no means definitive. (12/27/08) More

Dish | Restaurant News & Notes

Palombino creating new concept with Boombozz Pizza & Tap House

Tony Palombino, creator of three Tony Boombozz pizza-centered prototypes in Louisville, will open a fourth version of his namesake company in March under the name Boombozz Pizza & Tap House. (12/27/08) More

Stylemaker

Trend spotter

Alea Bankston likes to follow trends. But "I like to mix them in with a lot of unique pieces … so it doesn't look like everyone else." Alea, an on-air personality at 98.9 KISS FM, calls high-end jeans "a weakness," but for the most part she's a bargain shopper. (12/27/08) More